Rose participates in Bulls' full contact practices

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is engaged in full contact practices as he works his way back from knee surgery.

Coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters on Wednesday that Rose, who underwent surgery on May 12 after he was injured in last season's playoffs, has no physical restrictions.

"He's full contact, yeah," Thibodeau said. "He can do all the cutting, he can do shooting, he can go off the dribble. So it's just a matter of him getting acclimated to playing in a game situation.

Bulls management has maintained that they don't want to rush Rose back. His return is still targeted for after the Feb. 17 All-Star Game.

In his absence, the Bulls have held their own, leading the Central Division by 1 1/2 games over the Indiana Pacers.

"You have to understand that in practice you're striving to get as close to a game-like intensity as you can, but you also have to understand that you're not going to be able to get there, so that will be a whole different level," Thibodeau said, according to ESPN.com. "And we have to make sure that he's ready to handle that intensity."